I sit up straighter, taking courage from Aiden’s reassuring hand interlaced with mine. “My mom lost the love of her life, and I don’t say that lightly. Their love has no boundaries. My father never got to attend my high school graduation, he never got to send me off to college. He will never get to walk me down the aisle.” I choke on my last words and Aiden rubs his thumb along my shaking hand.
Thomas bows his head, looking up when Aiden taps the table in warning, his expression is pained.
It infuriates me.
“I don’t know why they’re releasing you. You don’t deserve to see the light of day again. You’ll never have the kind of life my dad lived. You are nothing. No one. A drunk. My father was an honorable man. He was protecting this city, but evil men like you are everywhere. I know what it’s like now.” He cocks his head to the side. “I know what it’s like for your life to be in danger. I’ve faced men like you. Fuck you.”
With that, I burst into tears.
Aiden leans me into his shoulder before gesturing for the guards.
“She’s done,” He says to Howard.
I nod.
Thomas clears his throat and looks at me. “What do y–”
“Don’t you dare fucking speak.” Aiden’s voice booms through the quiet room.
My eyes are blurry, but I can see Aiden’s chest rising and falling as he attempts to calm himself. I’ve said what I needed to and now, I just want to get out.
I clutch onto Aiden’s hand as we make our way to the parking lot. He gets a phone call and lets go of my hand for a moment. Still unbalanced by my emotions and tear-soaked vision, I clumsily trip over my own feet and fall face first onto the pavement. I scream slightly, throwing my hand out to catch myself.
Aiden is by my side in a flash, concern all over his face. “Babe, what happened?”
“I’m clumsy.” I shake my head, not wanting to admit that him holding me gives me so much strength and courage that when he let go, I couldn’t physically hold myself up any longer. I know I’m a strong girl, but I need him right now. I have no shame in that.
Aiden examines the damage before scooping me up and depositing me in the backseat, snapping at Howard to grab the first aid kit.
“Don’t snap at him!” I scold lightly, but Aiden ignores me.
Howard holds out the alcohol and gauze, which Aiden snatches and begins cleaning me up. I pull away and shoot him a look.
“Thank you.”
Howard nods, uncomfortable with even the slightest appreciative words.
I let out a small laugh. Even though it’s brief, it warms my cheeks.
After I’m cleaned and bandaged – only minor scratches, but I still look beautiful, Aiden claims – he holds me while Howard drives us home.
I’m ready for this shit day to be over.
∞∞∞
I had three days off to collect myself, well not completely…I worked at home and got so much more done since Aiden likes to take at least three ‘meetings with his assistant’ a day. I’m not complaining though.
I feel refreshed. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Now, I can focus on healing those pieces that I’ve held on so vigorously to for so long.
My phone rings.
Aiden’s husky voice warms my ears. “Emilia, come into my office a moment.”
I happily walk in and smooth my skirt down.
Aiden sits behind his desk, his arm casually draped over the back of his chair. His cuffs are undone. He looks casual yet powerful. He twirls a glass of whiskey, the ice clinking against the crystal, which breaks me from my trance.
“Can I help you with something?” I smile.
“So ready to please.” He murmurs, setting down his glass and raking a hand through his styled hair, turning it into an instant perfect mess.
I try not to bite my lip and instead, roll my eyes playfully. “What is it, Aiden?” I tap my heel against the marble tile.
“My maid is sick. Find me a replacement.” He looks out of the large windows in thought.
My heart sinks. “I’m so sorry. How long does she have?”
He cocks an eyebrow, studying me in amusement. “What? She’s not dying, Emilia. She can’t make it in for the rest of the week, so I’m going to fire her. Hire me a replacement.”
I scoff. “You’re joking right? I won’t do it.”
He stalks over to me, trailing his long fingers down my top. His hands graze the side of my breast as I try to keep my emotions in check.
“Do I need to remind you who is the boss here? That attitude of yours will get you nowhere here.” He smirks.
I step away from him. “Let me clean. She can return next week.” I say, with finality in my voice.
He crosses his arms. “I won’t allow it.”
I groan. “Please, she doesn’t deserve to lose her job.” I bat my lashes.
He sighs. “Baby, You’re mine. I own this company. I won’t allow it. Understand?”
I smack his arm. “There’s nothing wrong with honest work.”
He scans me before glancing out at the empty office. “No. No way are you–”
I give him the best puppy dog eyes I can manage. “No one’s here. Let me clean. I’ll do it after hours.”
“You can start with my office.” A slight smirk appears on his features.
I jump up and down before kissing his cheek. Thankful, he didn’t argue further but simply closes his door and returns to his desk.
“So, where’s the cleaning stuff?”
I open the closet he gestures to, grab a duster and make my rounds around the room. I’m on my tiptoes cleaning a mantel when he chimes in with amusement.
“You missed a spot.”
I roll my eyes, not bothering to turn around. “Where, if I may ask.”
“The coffee table against the wall below you.”
I step back and see that he’s right. Armed with a rag, I furiously wipe at the spot. “It won’t come off.” I groan in frustration.
Aiden laughs. “Move your arm in circles, babe.”
I obey. “Like this?”
“Yeah, baby, just like that.” A soft moan escapes from his lips.
Puzzled, I turn to see him in his chair, his dress shirt sleeves pulled up, stroking his length. His eyes are on me, caressing the outline of my curves.
I bite my lip at the glorious sight. I tug at my skirt, realizing it rode up at some point. I quickly walk over when he beckons me. He grabs the backs of my thighs, hastily pulling me onto his lap. My feet dangle over the sides of the chair.
“I can’t reach.”
He laughs. “You’re so fucking adorable.” He kisses my cheek, his hard length pressed against my slit.
“Isn’t this sexual harassment Mr. Scott?” I tease.
He plays with my hair. “You know, I did that once,” He murmurs.
I look into his eyes, trying to recall, but I don’t remember anything. Sadness rises in me at the thought of him with someone else.
“What’s wrong?” He rubs his thumb along my burning skin.
I bury my face in his broad chest, taking a deep breath. “Why would you tell me that?”
His eyebrows knit together. “That I jacked off to you before?”